che·val-de-frise (sh -v l d-fr z )n. pl. che·vaux-de-frise (sh -v -) 1. An obstacle composed of barbed wire or spikes attached to a wooden frame, used to block enemy advancement. 2. An obstacle made of jagged glass or spikes set into masonry on top of a wall. [French, Frisian horse (from its use in Friesland to compensate for a lack of cavalry) : cheval, horse + de, of + Frise, Friesland.] |
cheval-de-frise [ʃəˌvældəˈfriːz]
n pl chevaux-de-frise [ʃəˌvəʊdəˈfriːz]
1. (Military) a portable barrier of spikes, sword blades, etc., used to obstruct the passage of cavalry
2. a row of spikes or broken glass set as an obstacle on top of a wall
[from French, literally: horse from Friesland (where it was first used)]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  cheval-de-frise - defensive structure consisting of a movable obstacle composed of barbed wire or spikes attached to a wooden frame; used to obstruct cavalrydefensive structure, defence, defense - a structure used to defend against attack; "the artillery battered down the defenses" |
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